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[oxygene]

Music is like cooking

A perfect metaphor.

Nope. Most people can cook cheese on toast, most people can't reach the equivalent in music.

[sugarbeard]

I think "cheese on toast" would be the equivalent of someone opening their mouth and having an almost pleasant note come out. But maybe that's just because I hate cheese. So most people can make this cheese on toast, but few can make a delicious four course meal from scratch served with the classy touch of a british butler. 

Music and rhythm is usually instilled into us as toddlers, most people just don't work at it and loose it. I think humans are instinctively musical beings.

[benb]

This thread is a great read

I'm not a great composer, although I've been able to crank out some acceptable tunes for my games. I never had any formal training, but I suspect the fact that I can compose at all stems from the hours upon hours I spent playing games from the NES forward.

[Zeke M.]

If you want to make music because then you will be something something something-WRONG!

Make music because you already make music.  If you sing in the shower, or to the radio, or to yourself, then you are already making music.  Music is as complicated or simple as you want it to be.

To be a GREAT MUSICIAN in three steps:

#1 MAKE SHITTY MUSIC.
#2 MAKE LESS SHITTY MUSIC.
#3 MAKE MUSIC, MAKE MUSIC, MAKE MUSIC infinity.

Only then will you be GREAT.

(This is distinct from "practice" because "practice" is music with a goal in mind.  Make only for making's sake.  If you ask yourself the question "Must I make music?" and answer "Well, gee, no, I guess I don't have to.  I could do something else, I think."  Then you are not, and never will be, a GREAT MUSICIAN.)

The end.

[Adam94]

To be a GREAT MUSICIAN in three steps:

#1 MAKE SHITTY MUSIC.
#2 MAKE LESS SHITTY MUSIC.
#3 MAKE MUSIC, MAKE MUSIC, MAKE MUSIC infinity.

Only then will you be GREAT.

Wow. I can relate to that. Although I admit I'm probably on about step 2.

#1 Pick up guitar and play notes I don't even know the name of and decide it sounds cool
#2 learn about diatonic harmony, techniques, musical devices and stuff. Use it to make music. Sounds kinda nice